I aplogize that it took me so long to write back, but things are crazy here in Miami! It is my understanding from conference calls as of late for the OTs in the VA system that the VA will be requiring recertification through NBCOT now that NBCOT is requiring continuing ed. I am aware that the VA does not require recertification as of yet from NBCOT. However, all of us in Miami are OTR/Ls and our department is interested in keeping it that way for several reasons: 1) to remain competitive with the private sector, and 2) to maintain CARF accreditation. Actually, while we are not required to have Florida licensure, we all do here at this facility and are interested in keeping it that way.
I think it is vital to keep your certifications/licensures up to date and to avoid being more lax simply because we are federal employees. Hopefully, NBCOT's new continuing ed requirements will help in maintaining uniformity between the VA and the private sector. I believe that there has been a stereotype that working for the VA is in some way easier or less competitive. OTs working in the federal system have contributed to this untrue belief by allowing their certifications to expire or by maintaining their license in a state other than where they practice. However, I will tell you that our faciity is similar to the private sector in case load and perhaps even more tedious than the private sector in documentation as of late. We each need to be responsible for keeping up our credentials, federal or not, to ensure that our profession continues to thrive. >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: Re: OTR/L vs. OTR vs OTL >Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 22:15:57 EDT > >Hi Ron > >I wish to correct Melissa at the VA Medical Center in Miami. No, the >VA/federal system does NOT require NBCOT registration except for the >initial >testing. You are not required to recertify NOR use the credentials OTR in >any shape or variation. I personally have spoken with the policy makers >for >the VA system (in an actual face to face meeting). I was informed that the >VA has never required continuing competence/recertification with NBCOT and >has no plans to implement that requirement. > >Not only does the VA not require it, but even your home state of Florida >does >not require you to use the "R" or recertify with NBCOT. Any questions >Melissa should be directed to John M. Jacobson, MS, CTRS...the >Rehabilitation >Planning Specialist for the VA system. His email is >[EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks and have a great week everyone. > >*********��*********** > >Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist > >** List messages are archived at: > >http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > >*********��*********** _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com *********��*********** Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist ** List messages are archived at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] *********��***********
